I have over 16 years of combined therapy experience at the professional level and believe in the profession that I am licensed in which is social work. I believe in a client-centered perspective and derive my approaches from a variety of treatment modalities. Cognitive behavioral is a significant framework that I utilize but I believe that other approaches are also effective as sessions need to be tailored to the unique needs of the individual or clientele being served. I believe in true empathy, truly trying to understand my clients' perspectives and their insight into their lives. Each person I have done therapy with over the years and will be doing therapy with has inherent worth, dignity and I believe in their abilities to improve in areas of self-direction and self-efficacy. Therapy is all about the client who is reading this right now, the therapist is simply a conduit to improve a person's ability to reorganize their life, to improve their internal locus of control, to help a client engage in goal-oriented behavior and be conscientious of the choices one is making in life on a regular basis. Cognitive behavioral methods consider irrational thought paradigms and help to counteract these cognitions or thoughts with more rational, counterbalancing, self-esteem enhancing thoughts and help a person to see the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behavior.

My name is Cristal Jenkins, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia, Washington State, Oregon, California and Florida. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Washington in 2012. I've had the privilege of working with individuals and families in various settings over the past 15+ years. My experience spans many areas, including depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, relationship issues, parenting challenges, vocational stress, and addiction. I specialize in trauma therapy, which means I help people who have experienced distressing, overwhelming, or life-altering events that continue to affect their thoughts, emotions, or relationships. Trauma can manifest in many ways—persistent anxiety, difficulty trusting others, emotional numbness, or feeling "stuck" in past experiences. Through a compassionate, strengths-based approach, I work with clients to gently process their experiences, build resilience, and rediscover their sense of self and safety. At the heart of my practice is the belief that people are incredibly resilient and that healing is possible with the right support. I bring a calm, open-minded, and nonjudgmental presence to my work. I see each client through a strengths-based lens, helping you recognize and use your inner resources to move forward with confidence and hope. You're welcome to message me anytime through BetterHelp. One of the great benefits of this platform is the ability to communicate more frequently and flexibly than in traditional therapy. I typically check messages twice a day, Monday through Friday, and offer sessions through video, phone, live chat, or asynchronous messaging—whatever suits your comfort level and schedule. I'm honored to walk with you through this chapter, and I look forward to getting to know you and supporting your growth. Best regards, Cristal Jenkins, LCSW

My name is Naomi Smith. I am a licensed master social worker with 24 years of experience in working in mental health and also providing therapeutic services to Individuals. My primary focus as a clinician is helping my clients meet their needs and build their confidence. As a therapist, I have the skill to compassionately listen, be non-judgmental, and at all times provide support, encouragement and empowerment. My approach to therapy is simple: “Restoring peace, one day at a time, one piece at a time.” My commitment to my clients is to be open and honest in all my communication and to help each client reach their personal goals. The process of change is a heart issue and that change can only come from within. I believe every client has a purpose to fulfill and the ability to realize that purpose in their present life. This is why I enthusiastically use Person-Centered Planning with clients. In order to be successful, a client must be willing, dedicated, and committed to accomplishing their individual plan. My commitment as a therapist is to help guide, impart, and facilitate that change process. The integrity of my character and words are of the highest standard. My communication is honest and open. I am excited and privileged to be a part of your journey to change, success, and a future that looks much brighter. I look forward to working with you! SPECIALTIES • Bi-polar Disorder • Depression • Anxiety • Grief and Loss • Self-Esteem • Anger Management Also experienced in: Spiritual Counseling, Emotional Issues, Behavioral Issues, Substance Abuse, Life Application Coach, Forgiveness, Communication Problems, Caregiver issues and Stress, Abandonment, Co-dependency, Guilt and Shame. Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic Therapy Years of Experience: 24

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience in areas of mental health and well being. I have experience in helping a wide range of clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & depression, including addiction. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling, healthier, and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Welcome and thank you for checking out my profile. I am available to work with an adult population, and as a licensed therapist, I am sensitive to the fact that sometimes people’s lives are not going the way they would like. And for some, they are not even sure why. This, and many other issues interfere with our self-satisfaction, happiness, sense of safety and our relationships. My experience lies with helping people to sort through their experiences and to understand where and how they can make needed changes. My primary approach to therapy is to use EMDR and somatic interventions with my clients gain awareness of what stands in their way of healing their traumas. My experience also includes working with anxiety and depression, OCD, DID , stress and behavioral issues along with a range of other problems.

Hello! My name is Melissa and I love what I do! Counseling people is my life's work and I've been doing it 14 years. Whatever it is you are going through, I can assure you, I have worked with someone who has dealt with something similar. I specialize in treating addiction issues, as I've worked in 5 different in-patient drug and alcohol treatment centers/rehabs in my career. Though I have years of professional experience working with an array of all kinds of issues and different populations. I greatly enjoy working with individuals and families. I also have several years experience working with teens, including those who have grown up in the system, been abused, and at high-risk, or with behavioral or learning problems. Clients feedback is often reported to me as: I am "easy to talk to," "friendly," and "down to earth." I've also been told I am helpful and a "good listener;" that is important to me. I am mostly solution-focused, meaning...I want to understand the problem, but then want to get into the tough work of finding solutions as soon as possible. As a therapist, I have a lot of empathy, am caring, and invested in improving your life circumstances. I am non-judgmental and believe that no matter how similar or different we may be, we can work together and develop a rapport. We can start right away, opening lines of communication so I can understand where you are coming from and help in anyway I can. My hope is to develop a warm, and trusting relationship in which you feel comfortable, and heard. One of my favorite things to hear as a therapist from a client is, "exactly," because I know we are on the same page, and I smile when a client says after session, " I feel much better." That is my aspiration, to help, and get to know you. Please understand that this is not just a job for me. I am genuinely here for you! Thank you for taking the time to read my profile and learn more about me as a professional.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! You are in the right place at the right time, and I commend you for your courage and follow-through. My name is Cynthia Rumford-Jones and I am a Licensed Clinical Therapist (LCSW), welcome to my BetterHelp Therapist profile! Life is pretty complex and sometimes presents us with challenges that require support and therapeutic interventions to achieve the balance and overall wellness we may desire . Today is a good day as you have taken one of the most important steps towards elevating your wellness and living a life you love; you are “taking action”. My educational background includes a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from the University of California, Berkeley. I have over 20 years of experience working as a therapist/counselor, and an additional 10 years working in the field of social work and human services, public and private sectors. My specialties include treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and challenges related to life transitions, anger management, relationship issues, family conflict, parenting, and foster care. I am also experienced in grief/loss, eating disorders, and challenges related to divorce and separation, multi-cultural concerns, prejudice and discrimination, and chronic mental illness. CLINICAL APPROACHES My therapy style is warm, supportive, interactive, and empowering. I utilize a client-centered, cognitive behavioral therapy approach with a solution focused perspective, and have training and extensive experience in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), and Multi-Dimensional Treatment Foster Care (MTFC). As a conscientious therapist it is important to me to provide a safe, non-judgmental, therapeutic environment and offer a style and approach that best fits the needs of each individual. I know finding a therapist who is a “good fit” is key to the overall effectiveness and successful outcome of therapy and the task of doing so can be quite arduous. May your mission to find that “good fit” be accomplished swiftly. If you are ready to take the next step, I’m here and looking forward to partnering with you to create a treatment plan with specific and structured goals that meet your specific needs, as well supporting and empowering you as you strive to elevate your wellness. YEARS OF CLINICAL, SOCIAL WORK, and HUMAN SERVICES EXPERIENCE 30 years

The selection of a psychotherapist is an intensely personal private intimate decision. Therapy is about one thing: focused communication. With the appropriate modification of language, we can think differently. If we think differently, we can change behaviors. And if we consistently change behaviors, they can become long-term, therapeutic, healthy change. Yes, that journey begins with the first step. My journey began last century with graduate school and licensure. Spent many years working with our incarcerated brothers and sisters. Their needs are real and varied. Being on the “outside” doesn’t mean you aren’t still incarcerated. Spent over a dozen years working with a Native American community. So many needs and so little time. A very special time in my life working with all ages, all needs, often through the assistance of an interpreter. From that chapter, I moved into substance abuse eventually becoming clinical director at several programs. Sobriety like therapy is a day-to-day process and there is nothing wrong with that. Perfection is not possible but excellence is attainable! Lastly, as a former first responder, spent over a decade assisting that community with critical incident stress. Actually, earned a doctorate with the research we all generated together. Nothing quite prepares you for that profession and the significant costs it exacts but if you would just like the opportunity to be, in a kind of ministry of presence, that is one of the reasons I am here . . . And for all, sometimes absolutely the best therapy comes from being with someone in a special moment without saying a word. So, how bout it? Even if it is not me, will you continue your search and seek? Why? Because there are some people on this Earth who do not need to meet you, be in a relationship with you, who know without a shadow of a doubt you are special! Unique! You are worthy! And although it may not be fashionable, will tell you are loved! Enjoy your journey and take that step and just maybe our paths will cross. Looking forward to it . . .

As a licensed therapist in California with two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and healing journeys. My practice centers on addressing trauma, addiction, family dynamics, and personal growth, with a deep commitment to empowering clients across diverse backgrounds. I bring compassionate expertise to challenges including grief, life changes, communication difficulties, and interpersonal relationships. My approach honors each person's unique story, focusing on building self-love, understanding personal purpose, and developing resilient coping strategies. My therapeutic work spans a wide range of experiences—from supporting individuals navigating midlife transitions to helping those healing from domestic violence, addiction, and intergenerational family dynamics. I am particularly passionate about creating affirming spaces for women, caregivers, and older adults seeking meaningful personal transformation. Through evidence-based, culturally responsive practices, I walk alongside clients as they rediscover their strength, reconnect with their inherent worth, and cultivate profound healing and self-understanding.

I am licensed psychologist in California with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, eating disorders, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed male therapist in California. I am not allowed to work with anyone not located in California during the therapy session. I have 30 plus years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients and couples with relationship issues, family conflicts, child abuse, & parenting issues. I have worked with families, teens and children in the Department of Mental Health and in Child Protective Services as well as an Adult Psychiatric Unit. I cared for my mother 24/7 for the last four years of her life. I cared for a couple in their 90s for the last four years of their lives. At the end I worked with the hospice team. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Those who are religious I address that when appropriate. Those who are not religious I never bring that up. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, & coping with loss. I also have experience working with depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, & coping with loss. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am a first-generation Mexican-American, bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I have been providing therapeutic services since 2013. I have extensive experience working across diverse clinical settings, supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families from a wide range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds—both in person and through telehealth. I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, relationship issues, grief, stress, women’s issues, adolescent concerns, and major life transitions. My therapeutic approach is individualized and collaborative, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-Based strategies, and Person-Centered techniques to meet each client where they are. As a bilingual therapist, I offer services in both English and Spanish. My goal is to create a warm, safe, and nonjudgmental space where you can openly explore your thoughts and emotions. I believe it takes courage to seek support and take steps toward change, and I am here to guide, empower, and walk alongside you as you move toward a more meaningful, balanced, and fulfilling life. If you are ready to begin your healing journey, I would be honored to support you.